J'adore Polyvore

I feel like I just ran a marathon.

In heels.

This afternoon I learned of the brilliant Polyvore from my writer/stylist/foodie friend Caite.

Caite is currently using the web-based application to create new looks for her personal styling business Sparrow & Whistle.

Like Pinterest, Polyvore allows you to capture images of things you adore online - but the fun doesn't stop there.

Within Polyvore's interface, you can mix and match these items to create cohesive collections - in Caite's case, entire new wardrobes.

Moreover, Polyvore provides pricing information and links to the retailer's website!

Therefore, being quite impressed, I took on the (Poly)voracious challenge of creating a few looks for my bridesmaids.

Lately, I had been intimidated by their dress' print and beloved belt, and was thinking there was little room for fun accessories.

But today, I think I proved myself wrong - with the help of Polyvore and Caite, of course.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

Click the image above to be linked directly to my Polyvore page.

xoxo,
BTB


PS - If my font appears two different sizes, please excuse the blip! Formatting has been tricky today.

The Break-Up

Speaking of my first wedding dress, I received this email from Cindy yesterday.

The day I met Cindy was the day that playing dress-up died. On November 13, she poked and prodded me into my first real wedding dress faster than I could say "I do."

I still felt like a 4-year-old.

But Cindy eased me into dresses and out of dismay. She listened to me as I described the ideal dress, and sympathized with me when I disliked each one of them in the mirror.

She commiserated with my mother, who once worked in a wedding boutique, over the brides who seemingly forgot to wear underwear the day of their dress consultation.

She had extra hair ties and bobby pins.

She offered us punch.

She sent a handwritten thank you even though we left the store empty handed.

And now this.

I just can't bring myself to tell Cindy that I bought my dress elsewhere. I never expected having to break-up with anyone while being engaged.

Love,
BTB

Throwback Wedding Dress

This is my first wedding dress.

I hope to not be caught between the same angel/Egyptian pose at my actual wedding.

However, in that 1990 moment, I know this was the perfect, most bride-like posture I knew to make.

I mean, take it from Ariel.

I did.

Hugs,

BTB

BHLDN

This just in:

Anthropologie is to release a bridal line.

!!!

My heavens. The one thing that would make me second guess ALL my decisions...

Known as BHLDN, the collection will be unveiled February 14. (How cute, right?)

I did some minor research and confirmed that BHLDN is a registered trademark owned by Urban Outfitters, Inc., which also owns five retail brands: Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, Terrain (my new favorite), Free People, and Leifsdottir (a (mysterious) luxury brand of Anthropologie).

Interestingly enough, the paperwork for the trademark was filed August 25, 2010. The review was complete and confirmed on January 11, 2011. (How trendy, right?)

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Holding my breath until Valentine's Day,

BTB

Pin It!

I am forever indebted to my dear engaged friend Amelia.

She introduced me to the fabulous Pinterest, and it's a bride's dream. I will sing its praises from the hilltops (and down the aisle).

Pinterest acts as a virtual & personal bulletin board as you browse the internet. When you find inspiration bits, you "pin" them to boards you've dedicated to encompass your vision - tablescapes, flowers, attire, etc.

As a life-long, die-hard collage enthusiast, this is an absolutely beautiful & utilitarian gift.

No more emailing myself links and filing them under "Brimer Wedding."

But this is not just a gift to brides - it's incredible for anyone who wishes to keep a visual library. Check it out, request an invite and wait anxiously for its arrival.

Happy Holidays,
BTB

Bib

Look at this sweet JCrew number. Unfortunately, it sold out yesterday while I was being indecisive. (That comes as no surprise.)

As I wait for various spring collections to be released, I'll shake my head at what slipped through my fingers and refocus on what I'm looking for in bridal jewelry.

DESIRED: A TIMELESS STATEMENT PIECE THAT OOZES WITH SIMPLICITY AND FEMININITY.

That's a pretty loaded request.

And after critically thinking through the JCrew bib, I'm not sure that it fits the bill.

I mean, a bib necklace? I bought one in Washington, DC the spring of 2009 and it totally got shot down.

The super-sized accessory dates back to ancient Egypt and Elizabeth Taylor. Much later, a Cartier bib necklace was given to the Duchess of Windsor by her husband in 1947.

I'm sure there were more notable pieces in between (didn't we all just LOVE the Stormy Seas necklace from Anthropologie?), and I'm sure there are more to come.

What I'm not sure about is whether I'll wear one at my wedding.

Hmph,
BTB

Menswear

All this time thinking about me, me, me... and I have no idea what the groom is to wear!

Never once did I stop mid-blog scroll to admire that boutonniere or those cuff links-- let alone, give much thought to the question of tux, suit, vest or sleeve-roll.

(Needless to say, this has opened up a whole new reason/way to survey wedding blogs.)

Thankfully, Adam's opinion does count, and he's been helpful in brainstorming ideas. However, it's tricky to argue why a tan suit wouldn't look right with my dress when he has no idea what I'm wearing.

Ho hum.

Which brings me another point: It's 7 months until our wedding and sometimes I can't remember what I'll be wearing.

Sure, I have pictures to which I can refer, but those hardly do anything for my memory on the days where it seems like it's a matter of life or death to remember the exact shade of (insert color) I chose or how breathable (insert fabric type) will be in the July heat.

I will say, what has been extremely helpful - from ordering invitations to meeting with the florist - is having a swatch of fabric on hand from the bridesmaid dresses. Funnily enough, my swatch is in the form of a silk JCrew ruffled blouse I bought along with the dresses.

I just LOVE seeing that hang in my closet!

-BTB

All dressed up and no where to go

I'm convinced that no sample dress photographs well. Between the camera's flash, the clips and the smudged make-up, it's hard to capture the excitement, thrill and beauty of "The One."

But that doesn't stop any BTB from taking a picture from every angle! Duh.

Therefore, I have a slew of pictures of myself in the dress I'll be wearing on..... SIKE. We don't have a date. I'm all dressed up with no where to go!

Luckily, I won't be alone. I also purchased my bridesmaid dresses yesterday.

Let's not forget this was on day 8 of engagement. Moreover, the fact that I hadn't even asked anyone to be my bridesmaid. Pfff. I sucked it up and made giggly phone calls in the JCrew parking lot. Not exactly what I was going for... but, ya know.

I went from one emotional high to another as our parents met for the first time last night! But I can barely process that at the moment.

I'm still stuck on the dresses...

BTB


p.s. - my dress won't be in until late March or April... so we can at least say the wedding will be after that!

The Dress

With a minute to spare, I make tonight's deadline.

Impromptu dress shopping with mom MAY have resulted in a winner.

Verdict is still out...

Therefore, I need to go to bed because apparently I'll know in the morning.

BTB

p.s. More on this experience later!